’A universal definition of space sustainability is hard to find’
Under a new rating system, it will soon be possible to assess the social, economic and environmental impact of space missions. The consortium behind the initiative, which includes the World Economic Forum (WEF), has tasked EPFL's Space Center (eSpace) with finalizing the assessment criteria and implementing the system in this fast-changing field. Have mission planners done enough to avoid creating new orbital debris? Are the components and structures reusable? What materials has the team used? Questions like these reflect growing concerns over the sustainability of space missions. A new rating system, which scores missions based on a range of markers and compliance with international guidelines, is set to provide the answers. EPFL's Space Center (eSpace) has been given the task of finalizing and implementing it. The system, dubbed Space Sustainability Rating (SSR), is being developed by a consortium that includes the World Economic Forum (WEF), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in cooperation with BryceTech and the University of Texas. The partners spent two years working on a draft assessment framework before passing the baton to EPFL. The first sustainability certifications will be issued to mission operators in early 2022. Emmanuelle David, executive manager of eSpace, tells us more. Why is eSpace a good fit for this project?
